After its first taste of nonconferece action, the Albert Lea boys’ basketball team remains in search of its first win.

The Tigers lost 74-44 Saturday against Kasson-Mantorville.

“We need to value every time we have the opportunity to go out and compete,” said Albert Lea coach Lucas Kreuscher. “That’s the message moving forward.”

Albert Lea (0-4 overall) matched Kasson-Mantorville’s scoring output early in the first half. Despite the KoMet’s press, the Tigers tied the game 8-8 on a drive and layup by Dedoch Chan.

“Our gameplan was to get in the paint and attack them,” said Chan.

However, after that basket, Kasson-Mantorville (4-0 overall) went on a 9-0 run that snowballed into a 20-point halftime deficit and a 30-point loss for Albert Lea.

Chan led the Tigers on the glass and was a point and rebound away from posting a double-double.

Jake Thompson posted a team-high 13 points to go with four rebounds and an assist. Mal Pine added 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

Last season, Albert Lea won 58-56 at Kasson-Mantorville.

Next, the Tigers will host Red Wing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Wingers (4-0 overall) haven’t won by fewer than 21 points. Their latest victory was a 79-57 win Friday at Northfield.